NAB releases images of arrested PLDC officials in Ashiana Iqbal case

LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau has on Tuesday released pictures of the four accused arrested on March 9 in Ashiana Iqbal Housing scheme scandal.

According to NAB sources, the investigation team is interrogating the accused according to law, while it was also said that the investigations would continue till the conclusion of the remand period.

Pertaining the information revealed by the accused during interrogations, NAB has ordered the concerned institutions to present records pertaining the case. The probing unit would also present an inquiry report before an accountability court on March 20.

Chief Engineer Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Israr Syed is accused of ‘misusing authority’, while he is also accused of ‘corruption worth billions’. NAB authorities further said that there is concrete evidence regarding Israr’s links with administration of CASA developers and LDA officials. The accused was arrested over accusations of forgery.

Bilal Qadwai

According to NAB, Strategic Policy Unit (SPC) Economic Specialist Bilal Qadwai documented the proposal and bidding papers for Ashian housing scheme, while Qadwai is also accused of preparing an illegal feasibility report.

According to NAB investigation, the SPC official’s main motive was to provide benefits to CASA developers via unlawful means. He is also accused of ‘misusing authority’ and involvement in approval of illegal agreements pertaining the case.

Imtiaz Haider

Punjab Land Development Company CEO Imtiaz Haider is accused of providing financial benefits to CASA developers via unlawful means, which is a violation of Public Private Partnership Act 2014, NAB sources said.

It was added that the arrest of the accused is necessary for the recovery of corruption money, collection of evidence and concluding the investigation according to law.

Arif Majeed

Technical and Financial Evaluation member Colonel (retd) Arif Majeed is accused of knowingly approving the unlawful joint-venture comprising three firms – Bismillah Engineering Services Co, Sparco Construction Company and China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd. He is also accused of causing damages worth Rs 10 billion to the national exchequer.